Nourishe

At street level, it’s easy to forget how beautiful Miami can be. But a handful of Miami restaurants offer great vistas of the city's modern skyline and waterfront while serving up cuisine representative of the Miami’s Cuban, Latin, and American traditions. Named for the expanse of Atlantic, Gulf, and Caribbean waters around Florida where chefs source sustainable fish and shellfish, the EPIC hotel's Area 31 delights guests with both fresh flavors and spectacular views. The restaurant's Terrace Bar, perched on the 16th floor of the hotel, opens up to panoramic views of the Miami skyline, designed to complement the sophisticated cocktails from mixologist Jacques Bezuidenhout. Acclaimed chef E. Michael Reidt displays precision and creativity through a tasting menu and dishes that incorporate cooking techniques from around the world. Nearby, a different hotel holds another of Miami's best views—this time, closer to the ground. Mandarin Oriental's Azul is known for its Mediterranean and Asian fusion cuisine served alongside sprawling views of Biscayne Bay through floor-to-ceiling windows. The indoor views stun in equal measure, with gleaming white marble decorating the open kitchen, raw bar, and the long wine table flanked by heavily stocked wine cabinets. These climate-controlled safes preserve the more than 700 wines hand-picked by sommelier Claudio Giordano from well-known vintners and boutique wineries. From inside an enormous old residence on the southern tip of South Beach wafts the aroma of prime porterhouse steaks that have been dry-aged for four long, tenderizing weeks. At Smith & Wollensky's Miami location, breezes drift across outdoor tables shaded by massive umbrellas while, a mere fork's throw away, ships cruise through the Government Cut channel. The two floors of dining-room seating feature water-view private rooms for parties that range from 20 to 450.

FIX is one of South Beach’s newest restaurants and is nestled in the beautifully remodeled Blue Moon Hotel.  The restaurant has a rustic feel and flows from the outdoor patio that overlooks Collins Avenue through the modern bar to comfortable dining rooms and a stellar poolside dining area. The dining areas are beautiful but the stars of the show at FIX are the menu and the food, overseen by Miami native and Executive Chef, David Welch.  Breakfast, all the time, scores high in my book but great food scores even higher and this is what Chef David and FIX deliver: great food, fresh ingredients and twists on classical favorites. Visiting FIX and Chef David Welch meant that we got to munch on the signature (and addictive) Rice Krispie-Crusted French Toast with bourbon-caramel sauce, mascarpone zabaglione, and fresh strawberries and the Kurobota Pork Belly Benedict, plus ask Chef David a few questions. Chef David is a Miami Native who studied culinary arts at the Art Institute of Philadelphia in 1999, and gained the title of Certified Executive Chef by the American Culinary Federation after teaching culinary arts at Le Cordon Bleu. He has many culinary certifications in nutrition, sanitation and wines and spirits. His experience includes time spent in some of the most sought after luxury hotels and restaurants from Philadelphia to Miami including the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, Smith & Wollensky, Tantra and Acqualina. HG:  Why did you become a Chef? Chef David:  The position chose me. I have always worked in the kitchen since my first job. Once I realized I was good at it, I stuck with it. HG:  What is your Food Philosophy?  Chef David:  Food doesn’t have to be fancy to be great.  Simple techniques applied correctly can provide excellent results. HG:  What is the best part and/or challenging part of cooking in South Florida? Chef David:  The best part of cooking in South Florida is the ability to use techniques and ingredients from many different ethnic backgrounds.  And adding a refined touch to rustic and cultural cuisine. HG:  How does FIX reflect you as a Chef?  Chef David:  FIX reflects my playful culinary side. A lot of times we are forced into a box of what’s classical and there is no room for much creativity.  I have a lot of room for creativity here at FIX. HG:  How do you run your kitchen?  Chef David:  I run my kitchen like the classical brigade. Neat, clean and organized. HG:  Who are the Chefs that you admire?  Chef David:  Charlie Trotter, Marcus Samuelsson, Ferran Adria HG:  What do you consider your signature dish?  Chef David:  The signature dish at FIX is the Rice Krispie French Toast HG:  Your favorite dish to prepare at home is…  Chef David:  BBQ, anything BBQ. HG:  The ingredient that can make all the difference in a dish is …  Chef David:  Salt HG:  The person you would love to cook for is… Chef David:  Anyone who appreciates good food HG:  What excites you about being at FIX? Chef David:  It’s back in my hometown so lots of people who know me can stop in, try it out and tell me what they really think. HG:  What can we look forward to at FIX in the next 6 months? year?  Chef David:  Great food Chef David Welch is extremely competent, runs a smooth and organized kitchen, and also has a great time with the food he is creating.  He definitely has the recipe for success and we look forward to visiting again.  and again.  and again.

The Food Truck phenomenon has spread like wildfire across the country and Miami is no exception.  Just over a year ago, Miami had approximately 50 trucks on the road and now that number is approaching 100 or more.  Food Trucks roam the streets of Miami solo or roar into rallies from South Miami all the way up to Palm Beach County almost every day of the week. Latin Burger and gastropod were some of the first trucks on the road and the pioneers of the Food Truck frenzy in Miami.  BTTR - short for Biscayne Triangle Truck Round-Up - is the most longstanding Food Truck rally and began in 2009.  Every Tuesday night, you are sure to find 15-20 trucks in front of Johnson and Wales University, slinging their food for crowds. Everyone is sure to find something at BTTR to tickle their palate - how about a Bubble Tea from Boba Station?  My favorite is the lychee slushie with orange pearls - bursts of fruit and sweet that leave you craving just one more (technically, I had one more plus since I also had to sample the Papaya and the Black Milk Tea). The Bubble Tea is perfect to wash down a true eyes-roll-to-the-back-of-your-head favorite - the Grilled Blue and Bacon (crisp bacon with creamy blue cheese and green onion on sourdough bread).  This sandwich, along with several other signature snacks, come hot and melting off the grill of Ms. Cheezious® - may I recommend the Crabby Cheese Melt or the Swiss and Guava special? But you can’t stop there.  Food truck rallies are not about stopping at one truck.  The siren song of El Rincon del Coqui is calling you to come and sample a huge, flavorful Tripleta Sandwich, Puerto Rico's famous three meat sandwich. It comes complete with incredible sauce and crispy potato sticks. Bring friends - this is a monster, must-share sandwich. If fish tacos are your indulgence of choice, check out  Purple People Eatery  which has a crispy Miami Mahi taco topped with chipotle mayo and pineapple-jalapeno salsa.  Another option is  Jefe’s Original Fish Taco and Burgers  - a quick bite and make sure you request some of the house hot sauce! Porkalicious has more bacon, pulled pork, marinated pork, grilled pork and chicharrones than any other truck I have seen.  They even have you covered with bacon ice cream for dessert! And if dessert is what you want, then dessert is what you get. For those that have the stomach for it, the Krispy Kreme shake and/or Nutella shake from Big Kahuna are the dessert waves to ride.  Donuts.  In a Shake.  Think about that. Fireman Derek has scrumptious sweets - chocolate flan, pie pops and award-winning Key lime pie.  Cupcakes may be more your style and Clarabelle’s Cupcakes gives a great selection, including a Lavender Cupcake with Lavender icing!  Shaved ice may be the perfect solution to cool off as well but if you are looking for me, you can find me at the Bubble Tea truck … sampling.  Again. Other standup weekly food truck rallies include Young Circle in Hollywood on Mondays, BTTR on Tuesdays, and Bayfront on Wednesdays - Come hungry! For calendars and locations of the Miami Food Truck rallies - check out: South Florida Food Trucks.